Project description
Connecting the quantum dots for faster wireless communications
Optical wireless communication systems face challenges related to restricted light-source bandwidth and narrow wavelength ranges. This limits their data rates and network capacity. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the FastQD project is developing a new communication platform using colloidal quantum dots, which act as tuneable light sources that work in both visible and infrared spectrums. Overall, the project focuses on speeding up how quickly the light can turn on and off. This will allow for higher data transmission speeds. Ultimately, FastQD will work toward a scalable alternative to existing light-based communication technologies, targeting gigabit-per-second bandwidth for next-generation wireless networks.
Objective
Optical wireless communication (OWC) is a promising technology anticipated to play a key role in the next generation of networks, especially as a complementary technology to traditional radio-frequency (RF) communications. LiFi, a WiFi-compatible version of OWC, was standardized in 2023 (IEEE 802.11bb) with operation in near-infrared (800-1000 nm), highlighting OWC's real-world applications.
Light sources play a critical role in OWC platforms. Most current OWC development efforts in the UK and worldwide are based on epitaxial light sources (GaN-based LEDs and lasers at Cambridge’s LiFi Centre), and some research explores high-speed organic LEDs (HiSOPE, EIC). While promising, these approaches remain largely restricted to the visible spectrum or a narrow near-infrared band, thereby limiting overall data capacity.
Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are nanoscale semiconductor crystals whose emission can be tuned from ultraviolet to infrared. FastQD will target record-class aggregate throughput in OWC, using QD-based light sources across the visible and infrared. FastQD will offer a cost-effective, scalable, RoHS-compliant OWC platform, targeting Gb/s bandwidth. A key challenge for QD-based light sources is to switch fast enough to reach high data rates. FastQD will address this with both nanomaterial and device engineering, and will enable the light to turn on and off much faster.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology radio frequency
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology LiFi
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
KY16 9AJ ST ANDREWS
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.